St David's Marist, Inanda

Our boys learn through a variety of play-centered activities and they are given the opportunity to express themselves creatively in our music and art lessons. Our daily programme takes into account the social, emotional, spiritual and academic needs of each individual boy. Our weekly routine for Grade 00 incorporates one music lesson and one Physical Education lesson which are done at the Pre School by specialist teachers.

Our Pre School comprises of two Grade 00 classes and three Grade 0 classes. The classrooms; ablutions; playgrounds; Therapy room and the general purpose room were designed and built with careful consideration of the specific needs of the pre school learner. We are architecturally distinct from, yet integrally a part of the whole school.

In Grade 0, the weekly routine incorporates three Physical Education lessons, during which the boys make use of the Prep School fields, tennis courts, Astroturf and swimming pools under the guidance of our Physical Education Specialist. They also attend weekly lessons in our Computer room, Music room and Media center in the Prep School.

St David’s prides itself on its academic strength throughout the primary school phase. The focus of the school is, however, based upon the belief that academics represent just one aspect of our approach to education. We value the whole child and undertake to provide for his physical, emotional, spiritual and intellectual development. What occurs in the classroom at St David’s Prep is a “preparation for life."

Specific structures are in place to ensure that education in the formative years is a continual process of acquiring knowledge and skills. St David’s has earned the reputation of being a “caring” school because every staff member does their utmost to nurture every single boy in their class. It is for this reason that class sizes are kept to a maximum of 25 and that class teaching takes place from Grade 0 through to Grade 5. In Grades 6 and 7 boys are taught by specialist subject teachers in order to prepare them for the High School environment. In some cases, Maths and English classes are split into two groups of 12 in order to provide for even greater individual attention. For those boys who struggle with their academics, extra lessons, in even smaller classes, are provided free of charge.

It is common knowledge that the decisions we make in life are based on our values. It is therefore one of our biggest challenges to ensure that sound values become the foundation of our teaching and our learning. Thankfully we, (the boys, the teachers and the parents) are in an environment at St David’s which encourages us to aspire to the values espoused by our founding father, Marcellin Champagnat – humility, simplicity, modesty, love of work and an appreciation of those less favoured in life.

The school provides a challenging learning environment which enables pupils to realise their potential and develop their talents - St David’s Mission Statement 2001.

It is with this knowledge and the assumption that all parties work together in harmony during these vital Prep school years, that we strive to lay a solid foundation in order to ensure that every St David’s boy is fully prepared to cope with the future, whatever it may hold.

Teaching and Learning are some of the most significant corner-stones of St David’s. The College writes external examinations under the auspices of the Independent Examinations Board (IEB). The management structures, resources and systems in the College exist to support what happens in the classroom. Over the years St David’s has built up a reputation for excellent academic standards and a sound work ethic. The College curriculum follows the requirements of the South African curriculum statements. The aim is to develop continually teaching methodologies that are varied, relevant to the challenges and opportunities of the 21st Century, and appropriate to the contents of the syllabus. Pupils are generally taught in mixed ability classes, however, some subjects are set according to results from the previous year. The assessment system includes tests and examinations of appropriate kinds to evaluate the pupils’ progress. Examinations are held every July and November for most Grades. Reporting on progress takes place at the end of each term.

In Grades 8 & 9 the College follows the requirements of the CAPS curriculum. In addition, the College has developed a modular approach in a number of subject areas in which focused tuition is provided over a set period of time where after these modules are written off. Included in this modular approach is a particular focus on robotics and coding. The Grade 10s, 11s and 12s follow the National Senior Certificate (NSC) culminating in the final Grade 12 NSC examinations set by the IEB.

The College offers support in all academic subjects through the Academic Enrichment Office. Staff work with individual boys or small groups to address their specific academic problems. Remediation in high school is related directly to subjects. Boys therefore identify aspects of their work where they experience problems; this forms the basis of academic support lessons. Time management and study skills are integral aspects of support, along with assistance in preparation for tests and examinations. Computer programmes to increase reading speed and comprehension in both English and Afrikaans are available, as well as software programs to assist the boys in Mathematics. In accordance with IEB policy on inclusive education, internal concessions such as extra time etc. in examinations are allocated where needed.